University of Evansville Announces New Test-Optional Admission Policy

High School Students Can Apply to UE without Submitting SAT or ACT Scores

The University of Evansville will become a “test optional” school beginning with the class entering in fall 2018. Applications open August 1, and new applicants to UE will have the choice to opt out of submitting standardized test scores from the SAT and ACT for admission consideration.

“Substantial research has repeatedly demonstrated that performance on standardized tests is, at best, a weak indicator of potential success at the college level,” said Tom Kazee, president of the University of Evansville. “By allowing students the choice to submit these scores, we’re opening up possibilities for high achieving students whose accomplishments may not shine through on a standard test. In doing so, we’ll be joining more than 900 US institutions who have opted to take a more comprehensive approach in analyzing admissions information.”

Those who opt out of submitting test scores on their application will be required to submit an essay in addition to information about their academic achievements as high school students.

“The essay requirement and other measures will allow us to take a holistic approach when reviewing an applicant’s potential fit at UE,” said Shane Davidson, vice president for enrollment and marketing at UE. “Things like academic preparation, high school GPA, extracurricular involvement, and leadership are better indicators of college success. In short, we are looking for those students with grit – and standardized test scores simply don’t capture that dimension of a prospective student’s potential for success,” said Davidson. “It was clearly time to make the change.”

The test optional change applies to all undergraduate programs except the Baccalaureate to MD program, engineering majors (aside from computer science), and all direct entry health programs including nursing, physical therapy, and the physician assistant program. These programs require post-graduate licensure, professional certifications, or collaborative admission decisions with other organizations.